Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-11

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The system used for rubbish/garbage collection in your local area is not working properly. This is causing problems for you and your neighbours. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter

• describe how the rubbish collection system is not working properly
• explain how this is affecting you and your neighbours
• suggest what should be done about the problem

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,

Student answer (Band 5.5)

Dear Mrs.Thomson,

I hope this message will finds you well. I want to complaint you regarding garbage issues. The system used for garbage collection in nearby areas is not working properly.

The garbage collectors are never no time and when they come they spread some rubbish on floor, which makes roads dirty and smelly.

This is a critical thing for everyone health. Most of the children faces such kind of infections. This is also affecting to elder people as well. So, parents do not send their children to parks or anywhere due to this issue.

I hope after read this letter, they will come on time and take care of spreading things and solve all the issues regarding this. You should also talk with the management and take action regarding this problem and find some solution. Our society is best in this city and we already get a award for cleanliness in our society.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The letter addresses all three bullet points of the prompt: the system's failure, the impact on residents, and a suggested solution. However, the development of these ideas is somewhat limited. For instance, the impact on health is mentioned generally, but could be more effectively supported with specific examples of the 'infections' mentioned. The tone is generally appropriate for a formal letter, although the opening salutation 'Dear Mrs. Thomson' is slightly unusual for a letter to a council, which typically requires a formal 'Dear Sir or Madam' as requested in the instructions. Overall, the task is fulfilled, but the depth of the response is basic.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The letter is organised into short paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression of ideas. However, the use of cohesive devices is quite limited and sometimes mechanical. For example, the transition between the problem and the impact is abrupt. There is a lack of variety in linking words, and some sentences feel disjointed. The paragraphing is present but could be more effectively used to separate the distinct points requested in the prompt. Improving the flow between sentences would significantly enhance the coherence of the letter.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the range and precision expected at higher bands. There are several instances of awkward phrasing, such as 'never no time' (should be 'never on time') and 'take care of spreading things'. The word choice is generally simple, and there is little attempt to use less common or more sophisticated vocabulary. While the meaning is generally clear, the lack of precision and the presence of errors in collocation and word choice limit the score in this criterion.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The letter contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow. Examples include 'I hope this message will finds you well' (should be 'find'), 'I want to complaint you' (should be 'make a complaint to you'), and 'Most of the children faces' (should be 'face'). Additionally, there are issues with article usage and prepositional phrases, such as 'on floor' (should be 'on the floor') and 'affecting to elder people' (should be 'affecting elderly people'). These errors are frequent enough to be noticeable throughout the text.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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